Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2024
172. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the reason the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 imposes maximum stakes limits and prize-winning limits on certain games including bingo, local lotteries and charity fundraisers, but no such restrictions will apply to general sports betting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15888/24]
View answer173. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the reason schedule 2 of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, which provides for certain limits and restrictions, is necessary when the proposed legislation will allow the gambling regulator the powers to amend these limits, and if it would be more appropriate that the said regulator should set any limits or restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15889/24]
View answer174. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice if she is satisfied that Government policy is consistent and coherent in relation to the proposed ban on certain forms of gambling advertising when no such ban will apply to the advertising of National Lottery games; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15890/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 174, inclusive, together.
Reform of gambling legislation, licensing and regulation is a priority for the Government and my Department.
The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.
The maximum stake and prize limits for each of the activities permitted under a gambling licence are set out in Schedule 2 to the Bill, and these amounts may be varied by the Authority by regulations following consultation with the Minister. These maximum stake and prize limits are a direct continuation of the existing policy and regulatory measures, albeit modernised, provided for in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, as amended in 2019.
The current licensing framework is reflective of the nature of gambling in Ireland, which largely centres on betting, gaming and lotteries. With this in mind, the Deputy will appreciate that sports betting is, by its nature, different to gambling in the form of gaming and lotteries.
In this context, there are no maximum stake and prize limits provided in respect of betting under the Betting Act 1931, nor have any been introduced in subsequent legislation up to the most recent – the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015. As such, the Bill provides for a continuation of the established policy in respect of betting as a gambling activity.
The National Lottery and its activities comes under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and will therefore not fall under the remit of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
The operation of the National Lottery is subject to the provisions of the National Lottery Act 2013 and is regulated by its own dedicated regulator – the Regulator of the National Lottery.
